Sunday, September 12, 2010

Are you planning a trip this summer?

With all the new luggage regulations and extra charges for multiple bags, it's more important than ever to make sure you pack smart. So here are

5 Do's and Don'ts to Pack Like a Pro.

1. Don't pack to match your time away

It's hard to admit, but the truth is since most women shower every day, our clothes don't really get all that dirty or sweaty. Think twice about having the exact number of outfits to match the number of days you plan to be away. A couple less outfits won't hurt and will make your load so much lighter.

2. Do plan your outfits around your shoes

How many times have you laid out all your outfits only to realize you'll need to take 5, 6, 7 or more pair of shoes to make them work? Shoes waste a lot of valuable space. Always start with the 2-3 pairs you will be taking and work all your outfits around them, instead of the other way around.

3. Do make sure you pick outfits that color co-ordinate.

Create wardrobe capsules (grouping of items that work together) in neutral colors like black, white, cream, grey, brown. This will give you the base to start with. Then you only have to throw in a few colorful scarves, tops, and accessories to liven everything up and change your look.

4. Don't choose fabrics that are high maintenance.

Linen and starched cottons may are examples of fabrics you don't want to pack because they wrinkle after a few hours. Pick fabrics that have some stretch in them like nylon, so you don't end up looking like you've been sleeping in your clothes. Another great thing about non-wrinkle clothing is it can be rolled up into a ball and gently squeezed into your suitcase- a real space saver!

5. Do use large zip lock bags and label them

Keep items like pj's in one bag, clean underwear in another, dirty items in another. It makes rifling through your suitcase so much easier. Another trick--If you are taking a couple of suitcases with you on a road trip where you'll be stopping at a hotel every night, slowly transfer all your dirty clothes to one suitcase as the days go on. The benefit? …By the time you get halfway through the trip you'll only have to lug one suitcase from the car to the hotel room each night instead of two-the one with the clean clothes!

Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler (The Glam Gals) are Image and Style Experts specializing in helping women 40 plus look and feel fabulous. They are the authors of the book, The Glam Plan~ 12 Simple Steps to Take You from Frumpy to Fabulous & Tweak Your Chic-Mother of the Bride, as well as coaches for their Tweak Your Chic™, Image make-over program. For more style tips visit: www.fabulousafter40.com and sign up for their bi-weekly newsletter.

You can also contact them at: info@fabulousafter40.com